Manila: Senators expressed their full support for the Department of Education's (DepEd) historic PHP1.044 trillion budget for 2026, emphasizing Education Secretary Sonny Angara's reform-driven leadership and the agency's focused approach to tackling persistent issues in basic education.
According to Philippines News Agency, during the plenary deliberations, lawmakers highlighted the 2026 budget as pivotal for advancing learning recovery, classroom expansion, and support systems for teachers and students. Senate Finance Committee chairperson, Senator Sherwin Gatchalian, stated that the increased allocation signifies confidence in Angara's leadership and the Senate's unified effort to promote significant improvements in the education sector.
Senator Bam Aquino, chairperson of the Committee on Basic Education, reinforced the chamber's endorsement of DepEd's reform initiatives. He expressed optimism about achieving educational goals through collective efforts for the youth. Senate Majority Leader Migz Zubiri also conveyed trust in Angara's leadership to bring about substantial progress.
Senator Pia Cayetano noted DepEd's preparedness to implement the recommendations from the 2nd Congressional Commission on Education (EDCOM II). She acknowledged the Secretary's familiarity with EDCOM's findings, making them easily translatable into actionable steps.
During the discussions, DepEd detailed ongoing reforms, including a streamlined Senior High School (SHS) curriculum, TESDA-aligned certification for tech-voc tracks, and the revised SHS curriculum rollout. Lawmakers recognized these initiatives as indicative of a coherent reform strategy.
The Senate collaborated with DepEd to expand classroom construction through various avenues such as partnerships with local government units, private sector involvement, civil society participation, leasing arrangements, and direct DepEd-managed projects to address classroom congestion more effectively.
DepEd announced plans to expand hiring to eliminate the nationwide teacher shortage by 2026, while increasing digital connectivity in underserved schools. The department also confirmed the deployment of 10,000 school counselor associates to enhance mental health and anti-bullying programs.
Angara expressed gratitude to the senators for their decisive support of the agency's budget, considering it a collective effort to revive and strengthen the basic education system. He emphasized the significance of the Senate's backing as a national focus on rebuilding education and committed to utilizing the funding for impactful reforms.
DepEd highlighted major boosts under the Senate-approved 2026 budget, expanding key programs to align with President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr.'s directive to prioritize learning recovery, school safety, and equitable access. Notable allocations include increased funding for textbooks, school-based feeding programs, disaster preparedness, basic education facilities, personnel support, the ARAL Program, last mile schools, human resource development, alternative learning systems, school electrification, and inclusive education programs.
Angara stated that the expanded budget would enable DepEd to expedite its long-term roadmap for access, accountability, learning quality, and future readiness. He affirmed the commitment to justify the confidence placed in them with transparency, urgency, and integrity.
